Nigeria and Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties, with both countries pledging stronger cooperation in trade, investment and sustainable development as they seek to expand a relationship officials described as strategic and mutually beneficial.
The commitment was restated in Abuja when the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, during a courtesy visit to the ministry.
Bagudu said Nigeria valued its longstanding relationship with Denmark and was ready to broaden engagement in key sectors that would drive inclusive growth.
“We are quite honoured by this engagement, and the short answer is yes, we want more. We are happy to have more open discussions and to expand our relationship,” the minister said.
The minister added that both countries could work more closely to promote trade, strengthen peace and security initiatives, share knowledge and resources, and address common challenges, including irregular migration.
He identified agriculture, livestock development, the digital economy, the blue economy and the judicial sector as areas where cooperation could be strengthened further.
Speaking on the reforms of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, Bagudu said the Renewed Hope Agenda was aimed at correcting decades of underinvestment in critical sectors and creating a more transparent and competitive climate for investors.
“Correcting decades of underinvestment across almost all sectors can only be achieved by learning from countries that have successfully solved similar challenges, especially those with strong and vibrant private sectors,” he said.
According to him, the reforms have begun to improve investor confidence, with Nigeria attracting about $7 billion in infrastructure investment over the last two years.
Earlier, Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to Nigeria, saying the relationship was built on “shared values, mutual respect, and common priorities.”
He said both countries shared interests in democracy, respect for international law, stability, development and stronger representation for African countries in global institutions.
The envoy disclosed that Denmark was expanding its diplomatic presence in Nigeria with a larger embassy and more personnel in strategic sectors.
He pointed to growing commercial engagement, citing the presence of Danish companies and the establishment of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries office in Lagos to support private sector investments.
